There are multiple indications that the Timberwolves should be at least a couple of victories better. Not only are Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio healthy and thriving, offseason pickup Kevin Martin is lighting it up at 23.2 points per game. The Timberwolves are also one of just three teams, including the Spurs and defending champion Miami, in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Yet they’re a game under .500, a discrepancy that should sort itself out as the season wears on — provided the aforementioned factors continue to go their way, far from a lock given their stars’ dubious injury history.

Where the Timberwolves excel

At their best, the Timberwolves overwhelm the opposition with pace. They’ve taken the most shots and the fourth-most free throws, figures aided by their excellent ball security. The latter category is a particularly big advantage as they average about nine more attempts per game than their foes.

Love has been an absolute monster, ranking sixth in scoring and first in rebounding. As if that wasn’t enough, he also makes roughly two 3s per game while averaging a career-high 4.1 assists. Fortunately for the Spurs they have one of the top interior defensive tandems in the NBA with the resurgent Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter.